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Della Morte E, Giannasi C, Valenza A, Cadelano F, Aldegheri A, Zagra L, Niada S, Brini AT. Connexin 43 Modulation in Human Chondrocytes, Osteoblasts and Cartilage Explants: Implications for Inflammatory Joint Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8547. [PMID: 39126115 PMCID: PMC11313680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is crucial for the development and homeostasis of the musculoskeletal system, where it plays multifaceted roles, including intercellular communication, transcriptional regulation and influencing osteogenesis and chondrogenesis. Here, we investigated Cx43 modulation mediated by inflammatory stimuli involved in osteoarthritis, i.e., 10 ng/mL Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFα) and/or 1 ng/mL Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), in primary chondrocytes (CH) and osteoblasts (OB). Additionally, we explored the impact of synovial fluids from osteoarthritis patients in CH and cartilage explants, providing a more physio-pathological context. The effect of TNFα on Cx43 expression in cartilage explants was also assessed. TNFα downregulated Cx43 levels both in CH and OB (-73% and -32%, respectively), while IL-1β showed inconclusive effects. The reduction in Cx43 levels was associated with a significant downregulation of the coding gene GJA1 expression in OB only (-65%). The engagement of proteasome in TNFα-induced effects, already known in CH, was also observed in OB. TNFα treatment significantly decreased Cx43 expression also in cartilage explants. Of note, Cx43 expression was halved by synovial fluid in both CH and cartilage explants. This study unveils the regulation of Cx43 in diverse musculoskeletal cell types under various stimuli and in different contexts, providing insights into its modulation in inflammatory joint disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Della Morte
- Laboratory of Biotechnological Applications, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20157 Milan, Italy; (E.D.M.); (C.G.); (A.V.); (F.C.); (A.T.B.)
| | - Chiara Giannasi
- Laboratory of Biotechnological Applications, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20157 Milan, Italy; (E.D.M.); (C.G.); (A.V.); (F.C.); (A.T.B.)
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Valenza
- Laboratory of Biotechnological Applications, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20157 Milan, Italy; (E.D.M.); (C.G.); (A.V.); (F.C.); (A.T.B.)
| | - Francesca Cadelano
- Laboratory of Biotechnological Applications, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20157 Milan, Italy; (E.D.M.); (C.G.); (A.V.); (F.C.); (A.T.B.)
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Aldegheri
- Hip Department, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.A.); (L.Z.)
| | - Luigi Zagra
- Hip Department, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.A.); (L.Z.)
| | - Stefania Niada
- Laboratory of Biotechnological Applications, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20157 Milan, Italy; (E.D.M.); (C.G.); (A.V.); (F.C.); (A.T.B.)
| | - Anna Teresa Brini
- Laboratory of Biotechnological Applications, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20157 Milan, Italy; (E.D.M.); (C.G.); (A.V.); (F.C.); (A.T.B.)
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy
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Deng Z, Dou L, Luo Z, Liu R, Zhang J, Wang J, Wang D, Guo D, An R, Yao Y, Qiu G, Zhang Y. AKAP95 regulates ubiquitination and degradation of cyclin Ds/Es, influencing the G1/S transition of lung cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2024. [PMID: 38923703 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
A-kinase anchoring protein 95 (AKAP95) functions as a scaffold for protein kinase A. Prior work by our group has shown that AKAP95, in coordination with Connexin 43 (Cx43), modulates the expression of cyclin D and E proteins, thus affecting the cell cycle progression in lung cancer cells. In the current study, we confirmed that AKAP95 forms a complex with Cx43. Moreover, it associates with cyclins D1 and E1 during the G1 phase, leading to the formation of protein complexes that subsequently translocate to the nucleus. These findings indicate that AKAP95 might facilitate the nuclear transport of cyclins D1 and E1. Throughout this process, AKAP95 and Cx43 collectively regulate the expression of cyclin D, phosphorylate cyclin E1 proteins, and target their specific ubiquitin ligases, ultimately impacting cell cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifeng Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Liangding Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Rong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Dai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - DongBei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ran An
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Youliang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Guihua Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Department of Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Longyan City Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Longyan, Fujian, China
| | - Yongxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Martins-Marques T, Witschas K, Ribeiro I, Zuzarte M, Catarino S, Ribeiro-Rodrigues T, Caramelo F, Aasen T, Carreira IM, Goncalves L, Leybaert L, Girao H. Cx43 can form functional channels at the nuclear envelope and modulate gene expression in cardiac cells. Open Biol 2023; 13:230258. [PMID: 37907090 PMCID: PMC10645070 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Classically associated with gap junction-mediated intercellular communication, connexin43 (Cx43) is increasingly recognized to possess non-canonical biological functions, including gene expression regulation. However, the mechanisms governing the localization and role played by Cx43 in the nucleus, namely in transcription modulation, remain unknown. Using comprehensive and complementary approaches encompassing biochemical assays, super-resolution and immunogold transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrate that Cx43 localizes to the nuclear envelope of different cell types and in cardiac tissue. We show that translocation of Cx43 to the nucleus relies on Importin-β, and that Cx43 significantly impacts the cellular transcriptome, likely by interacting with transcriptional regulators. In vitro patch-clamp recordings from HEK293 and adult primary cardiomyocytes demonstrate that Cx43 forms active channels at the nuclear envelope, providing evidence that Cx43 can participate in nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of small molecules. The accumulation of nuclear Cx43 during myogenic differentiation of cardiomyoblasts is suggested to modulate expression of genes implicated in this process. Altogether, our study provides new evidence for further defining the biological roles of nuclear Cx43, namely in cardiac pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Martins-Marques
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Katja Witschas
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences – Physiology group, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilda Ribeiro
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mónica Zuzarte
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Steve Catarino
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Ribeiro-Rodrigues
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Caramelo
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Laboratory of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Trond Aasen
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Marques Carreira
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lino Goncalves
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences – Physiology group, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Henrique Girao
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
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A-Kinase Anchor Protein 95 Is Involved in ERK1/2-Elk-1 Signal Transduction in Colon Cancer. Anal Cell Pathol 2023; 2023:8242646. [PMID: 36691407 PMCID: PMC9867590 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8242646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess A-kinase anchor protein 95 (AKAP95), B-Raf, extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and Elk-1 expression in colon cancer tissue, and characterize AKAP95 associations with B-Raf, ERK1/2, Elk-1, and colon cancer clinicopathological indices. Methods The immunohistochemistry streptavidin-perosidase (SP) method was used to determine protein expression levels in 64 colon cancer and 32 para-carcinoma tissue specimens. Results (1) Positive AKAP95 expression rates in colon cancer tissue were higher when compared with para-carcinoma tissue (92.19% vs. 59.38%, P < 0.05). Similar findings were determined for B-Raf (76.56% vs. 25%, P < 0.05), ERK1/2 (90.63% vs. 31.25%, P < 0.05), and Elk-1 levels (92.19% vs. 40.63%, P < 0.05). (2) No significant associations were identified between AKAP95, B-Raf, ERK1/2, and Elk-1 protein expression and degree of differentiation, histological type, and lymph node metastasis in colon cancer samples (P > 0.05); however, in The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, AKAP95 was closely related to immune infiltration, and highly expressed AKAP95 was negatively associated with overall survival and relapse free survival rates in colon cancer patients. (3) Correlations were observed between AKAP95 and ERK1/2, AKAP95 and Elk-1, B-Raf and ERK1/2, B-Raf and Elk-1, and ERK1/2 and Elk-1 (all P < 0.05), but no correlation was observed between AKAP95 and B-Raf (P > 0.05). Conclusions AKAP95 may affect immune infiltration levels in colon cancer by participating in ERK1/2-Elk-1 signal transduction.
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Yuan B, Zhang Y, Zhao R, Lin H, Yang X, Zhu X, Zhang K, Mikos AG, Zhang X. A unique biomimetic modification endows polyetherketoneketone scaffold with osteoinductivity by activating cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq7116. [PMID: 36197987 PMCID: PMC9534509 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq7116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Osteoinductivity of a biomaterial scaffold can notably enhance the bone healing performance. In this study, we developed a biomimetic and hierarchically porous polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) scaffold with unique osteoinductivity using a combined surface treatment strategy of a sulfonated process and a nano bone-like apatite deposition. In a beagle intramuscular model, the scaffold induced bone formation ectopically after 12-week implantation. The better bone healing ability of the scaffold than the original PEKK was also confirmed in orthotopic sites. After culturing with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), the scaffold induced osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and the new bone formation could be mainly depending on cell signaling through adenylate cyclase 9, which activates the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A signaling cascade pathways. The current work reports a new osteoinductive synthetic polymeric scaffold with its detailed molecular mechanism of action for bone repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yuan
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Rui Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Hai Lin
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Xiangdong Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Kai Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
- Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Device, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Antonios G. Mikos
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77251, USA
| | - Xingdong Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
- Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Device, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
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Dynamics of Connexin 43 Down Modulation in Human Articular Chondrocytes Stimulated by Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105575. [PMID: 35628386 PMCID: PMC9142923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) exerts pivotal functions in articular chondrocytes (CH). It is involved in the communication among cells and between cells and the extracellular environment, and it contributes to the maintenance of the correct cell phenotype. The pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα induces a reduction in Cx43 expression in CH. Here, we studied the dynamics of this decrease in expression. We evaluated Cx43 protein and gene expression and the involvement of C-terminal domain (CTD) cleavage and proteasomal degradation. Treatments able to counteract TNFα action were also examined, together with Gap Junction (GJ) functionality and Cx43 localization. TNFα induced a significant reduction in Cx43 expression already at day 1, and the down modulation reached a peak at day 3 (−46%). The decrease was linked to neither gene expression modulation nor CTD cleavage. Differently, the proteasome inhibitor MG132 reverted TNFα effect, indicating the involvement of proteasomal degradation in Cx43 reduction. In addition, the co-treatment with the anabolic factor TGF-β1 restored Cx43 levels. Cx43 decrease occurred both at the membrane level, where it partially influenced GJ communication, and in the nucleus. In conclusion, TNFα induced a rapid and lasting reduction in Cx43 expression mostly via the proteasome. The down modulation could be reverted by cartilage-protective factors such as MG132 and TGF-β1. These findings suggest a possible involvement of Cx43 perturbation during joint inflammation.
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Zheng HC, Jiang HM. Shuttling of cellular proteins between the plasma membrane and nucleus (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 25:14. [PMID: 34779504 PMCID: PMC8600410 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently accumulated evidence has indicated that the nucleomembrane shuttling of cellular proteins is common, which provides new insight into the subcellular translocation and biological functions of proteins synthesized in the cytoplasm. The present study aimed to clarify the trafficking of proteins between the plasma membrane and nucleus. These proteins primarily consist of transmembrane receptors, membrane adaptor proteins, adhesive proteins, signal proteins and nuclear proteins, which contribute to proliferation, apoptosis, chemoresistance, adhesion, migration and gene expression. The proteins frequently undergo cross-talk, such as the interaction of transmembrane proteins with signal proteins. The transmembrane proteins undergo endocytosis, infusion into organelles or proteolysis into soluble forms for import into the nucleus, while nuclear proteins interact with membrane proteins or act as receptors. The nucleocytosolic translocation involves export or import through nuclear membrane pores by importin or exportin. Nuclear proteins generally interact with other transcription factors, and then binding to the promoter for gene expression, while membrane proteins are responsible for signal initiation by binding to other membrane and/or adaptor proteins. Protein translocation occurs in a cell-specific manner and is closely linked to cellular biological events. The present review aimed to improve understanding of cytosolic protein shuttling between the plasma membrane and nucleus and the associated signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Chuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei 067000, P.R. China
| | - Hua-Mao Jiang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
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Connexins in the Heart: Regulation, Function and Involvement in Cardiac Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094413. [PMID: 33922534 PMCID: PMC8122935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that play a key role in cardiac physiology. Gap junctional channels put into contact the cytoplasms of connected cardiomyocytes, allowing the existence of electrical coupling. However, in addition to this fundamental role, connexins are also involved in cardiomyocyte death and survival. Thus, chemical coupling through gap junctions plays a key role in the spreading of injury between connected cells. Moreover, in addition to their involvement in cell-to-cell communication, mounting evidence indicates that connexins have additional gap junction-independent functions. Opening of unopposed hemichannels, located at the lateral surface of cardiomyocytes, may compromise cell homeostasis and may be involved in ischemia/reperfusion injury. In addition, connexins located at non-canonical cell structures, including mitochondria and the nucleus, have been demonstrated to be involved in cardioprotection and in regulation of cell growth and differentiation. In this review, we will provide, first, an overview on connexin biology, including their synthesis and degradation, their regulation and their interactions. Then, we will conduct an in-depth examination of the role of connexins in cardiac pathophysiology, including new findings regarding their involvement in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiac fibrosis, gene transcription or signaling regulation.
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Asirvatham AL, Schworer CM, Stahl R, Heitzman D, Carey DJ. Role of A-kinase anchoring proteins in cyclic-AMP-mediated Schwann cell proliferation. Cell Signal 2021; 83:109977. [PMID: 33716104 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.109977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Proliferation of Schwann cells during peripheral nerve development is stimulated by the heregulin/neuregulin family of growth factors expressed by neurons. However, for neonatal rat Schwann cells growing in culture, heregulins produce only a weak mitogenic response. Supplementing heregulin with forskolin, an agent that elevates cyclic AMP levels, produces a dramatic increase in the proliferation of cultured Schwann cells. The mechanisms underlying this synergistic effect required for Schwann cell proliferation in vivo is not well established. Characterizing the A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) in Schwann cells might help identify substrates tethered to and phosphorylated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). Using an RII overlay assay that detects AKAPs that are bound to the type II regulatory subunits of PKA, we identified AKAP150 in Schwann cells. Western blot analysis revealed that additional AKAPs, specifically AKAP95, and yotiao were also present. Disruption of PKA/AKAP interaction with Ht-31 peptide resulted in an increase in luciferase-conjugated cyclin D3 promoter activity. Transfection with sequence-specific AKAP siRNAs for AKAP150 and AKAP95 produced a marked reduction in cell proliferation. Immunoblot analysis revealed that knock down of AKAP95 protein caused a significant decrease in expression of the cell cycle regulatory proteins cyclin D2, cyclin D3 and the cell survival signal Akt/Protein Kinase B (Akt/PKB). Morphological characterization of Schwann cell AKAPs indicated the presence of nuclear (AKAP95), cytoplasm-associated (AKAP150) and perinuclear (yotiao) A-kinase anchoring proteins. These results indicate a role for AKAP95 and AKAP150 in the synergistic response of Schwann cells to treatment with heregulin and forskolin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L Asirvatham
- Department of Biology, Misericordia University, 301 Lake Street Dallas, PA 18612, United States of America.
| | - Charles M Schworer
- Geisinger Medical Center Weis Center for Research, 100 N Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822, United States of America
| | - Rick Stahl
- Geisinger Medical Center Weis Center for Research, 100 N Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822, United States of America
| | - Deborah Heitzman
- Department of Biology, Bloomsburg University, 400 E. Second Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, United States of America
| | - David J Carey
- Geisinger Medical Center Weis Center for Research, 100 N Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822, United States of America
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Chen R, Chen Y, Yuan Y, Zou X, Sun Q, Lin H, Chen X, Liu M, Deng Z, Yao Y, Guo D, Zhang Y. Cx43 and AKAP95 regulate G1/S conversion by competitively binding to cyclin E1/E2 in lung cancer cells. Thorac Cancer 2020; 11:1594-1602. [PMID: 32338437 PMCID: PMC7262948 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to overexpress or silence connexin 43 (Cx43) and A‐kinase anchoring protein 95 (AKAP95) in human A549 cells to explore their effects on cyclins and on G1/S conversion when the interrelationship of Cx43, AKAP95, and cyclin E1/E2 changes. Methods The study mainly used Western blot analysis and Co‐immuno precipitation to detect the target protein in Cx43/AKAP95 over expressed human A549 cells, and the relationship of proteins Cx43, AKAP95 and Cyclin E during G1‐S phase was explored with qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results The overexpression of Cx43 inhibited the expression of cyclin D1 and E1 by accelerating their degradation and reduced the Cdk2 activity that blocked the DNA transcription activity. However, the overexpression of AKAP95 increased the expression of cyclin D1 and E1 and inhibited their degradation, and enhanced the Cdk2 activity that promoted the DNA transcription activity. Cx43 and AKAP95 competitively bound to cyclin E1/E2, and the competitive binding affected the Cdk2 activity, Rb phosphorylation, DNA transcription activity, and G1/S conversion. Conclusions This study showed that the expression of ERK1/2, PKA, and PKB increased when BEAS‐2B cells were treated with PDGF‐BB, suggesting that ERK1/2, PKA, and PKB might be involved in the binding of AKAP95 with cyclin E, or the separation of AKAP95 from Cx43 from cyclin E1/E2. The specific mechanism underlying this process still needs further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzhen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yangyang Yuan
- Henan provincial Clinical Research Center for Perinatal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hongyan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingda Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zifeng Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Youliang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Dongbei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yongxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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11
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Mendaza S, Fernández-Irigoyen J, Santamaría E, Zudaire T, Guarch R, Guerrero-Setas D, Vidal A, Santos-Salas J, Matias-Guiu X, Ausín K, Díaz de Cerio MJ, Martín-Sánchez E. Absence of Nuclear p16 Is a Diagnostic and Independent Prognostic Biomarker in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062125. [PMID: 32204550 PMCID: PMC7139571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor-suppressor protein p16 is paradoxically overexpressed in cervical cancer (CC). Despite its potential as a biomarker, its clinical value and the reasons for its failure in tumor suppression remain unclear. Our purpose was to determine p16 clinical and biological significance in CC. p16 expression pattern was examined by immunohistochemistry in 78 CC cases (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) and squamous cell carcinomas of the cervix –SCCCs). CC cell proliferation and invasion were monitored by real-time cell analysis and Transwell® invasion assay, respectively. Cytoplasmic p16 interactors were identified from immunoprecipitated extracts by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and colocalization was confirmed by double-immunofluorescence. We observed that SCCCs showed significantly more cytoplasmic than nuclear p16 expression than HSILs. Importantly, nuclear p16 absence significantly predicted poor outcome in SCCC patients irrespective of other clinical parameters. Moreover, we demonstrated that cytoplasmic p16 interacted with CDK4 and other unreported proteins, such as BANF1, AKAP8 and AGTRAP, which could sequester p16 to avoid nuclear translocation, and then, impair its anti-tumor function. Our results suggest that the absence of nuclear p16 could be a diagnostic biomarker between HSIL and SCCC, and an independent prognostic biomarker in SCCC; and explain why p16 overexpression fails to stop CC growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saioa Mendaza
- Molecular Pathology of Cancer Group, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Fernández-Irigoyen
- Proteored-ISCIII, Proteomics Unit, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enrique Santamaría
- Proteored-ISCIII, Proteomics Unit, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Tamara Zudaire
- Department of Pathology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rosa Guarch
- Department of Pathology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Guerrero-Setas
- Molecular Pathology of Cancer Group, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - August Vidal
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, Carrer de la Feixa Llarga, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - José Santos-Salas
- Department of Pathology, Complejo Asistencial Universitario, Altos de Nava, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, Carrer de la Feixa Llarga, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida, Alcalde Rovira Roure 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Karina Ausín
- Proteored-ISCIII, Proteomics Unit, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - María José Díaz de Cerio
- Department of Pathology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Esperanza Martín-Sánchez
- Molecular Pathology of Cancer Group, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence:
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12
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Hou X, Khan MRA, Turmaine M, Thrasivoulou C, Becker DL, Ahmed A. Wnt signaling regulates cytosolic translocation of connexin 43. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2019; 317:R248-R261. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00268.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The availability of intracellular, stabilized β-catenin, a transcription factor coactivator, is tightly regulated; β-catenin is translocated into the nucleus in response to Wnt ligand binding to its cell membrane receptors. Here we show that Wnt signal activation in mammalian cells activates intracellular mobilization of connexin 43 (Cx43), which belongs to a gap junction protein family, a new target protein in response to extracellular Wnt signal activation. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the nuclear localization of Cx43 was increased by 8- to 10-fold in Wnt5A- and 9B-treated cells compared with controls; this Wnt-induced increase was negated in the cells where Cx43 and β-catenin were knocked down using shRNA. There was a significant ( P < 0.001) and concomitant depletion of the cell membrane and cytosolic signal of Cx43 in Wnt-treated cells with an increase in the nuclear signal for Cx43; this was more obvious in cells where β-catenin was knocked down using shRNA. Conversely, Cx43 knockdown resulted in increased β-catenin in the nucleus in the absence of Wnt activation. Coimmunoprecipitation of Cx43 and β-catenin proteins with a casein kinase (CKIδ) antibody showed that Cx43 interacts with β-catenin and may form part of the so-called destruction complex. Functionally, Wnt activation increased the rate of wound reepithelization in rat skin in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Hou
- Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Division of Surgery, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad R. A. Khan
- Prostate Cancer Research Centre at the Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Turmaine
- Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Thrasivoulou
- Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David L Becker
- Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Institute of Medical Biology, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Aamir Ahmed
- Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Division of Surgery, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Prostate Cancer Research Centre at the Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Genetic Study on Small Insertions and Deletions in Psoriasis Reveals a Role in Complex Human Diseases. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 139:2302-2312.e14. [PMID: 31078570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.03.1157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Genetic studies based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms have provided valuable insights into the genetic architecture of complex diseases. However, a large fraction of heritability for most of these diseases remains unexplained, and the impact of small insertions and deletions (InDels) has been neglected. We performed a comprehensive screen on the exome sequence data of 1,326 genes using the SOAP-PopIndel method for InDels in 32,043 Chinese Han individuals and identified 29 unreported InDels within 25 susceptibility genes associated with psoriasis. Specifically, we identified 12 common, 9 low-frequency, and 8 rare InDels that explained approximately 1.29% of the heritability of psoriasis. Further analyses identified KIAA0319, RELN, NCAPG, ABO, AADACL2, LMAN1, FLG, HERC5, CCDC66, LEKR1, AFF3, ABCG2, ANXA7, SYTL2,GIPR, METTL1, and FYCO1 as unreported genes for psoriasis. In addition, identified InDels were associated with the following reported genes: IFIH1, ERAP1, ERAP2, LNPEP, UBLCP1, and STAT3; unreported independent associations for exonic InDels were found within GJB2 and ZNF816A. Our study enriched the genetic basis and pathogenesis of psoriasis and highlighted the non-negligible impact of InDels on complex human diseases.
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14
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Wang S, Wang K, Deng Z, Jiang Z, Wang D, Yao Y, Guo D, Kong X, Guan Z, Zhang Y. Correlation between the protein expression levels of A-kinase anchor protein95, p-retinoblastoma (Ser780), cyclin D2/3, and cyclin E2 in esophageal cancer tissues. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2019; 15:e162-e166. [PMID: 30990963 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the expression of A-kinase anchor protein95 (AKAP95), p-retinoblastoma (phosphorylated Rb, p-Rb), cyclin D2, cyclin D3 and cyclin E2 in esophageal cancer tissues and clinicopathological indexes. METHOD The protein expression levels of AKAP95, p-Rb, cyclin D2/3 and cyclin E2 in 40 esophageal cancer tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry, and the correlation between them was analyzed. RESULT The percentage of p-Rb (Ser780)-, cyclin D2-, cyclin D3- and cyclin E2-positive samples was 62.50%, 70.00%, 67.50% and 60.00%, respectively. Also, the positive expression did not correlate with the histological type, histological differentiation or lymph node metastasis. The expression of AKAP95 and p-Rb (Ser780), p-Rb (Ser780) and cyclin D2 and p-Rb (Ser780) and cyclin D3 in esophageal cancer tissues was found to be correlated (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The expression of AKAP95 and p-Rb (Ser780), p-Rb(Ser780) and cyclin D2, and p-Rb (Ser780) and cyclin D3 in esophageal cancer tissue was correlated, suggesting that these proteins might play a synergistic role in cell-cycle progression. Cyclin D2/D3 and p-Rb (Ser780) were correlated whereas cyclin E2 and p-Rb (Ser780) were not, suggesting that p-Rb (Ser780) might be highly expressed and the Ser780 site of Rb protein might be phosphorylated in the early stage of the G1 phase. Ser780 was the site in the primary phosphorylation stage of several phosphorylation sites during stepwise phosphorylation (from primary to high phosphorylation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen Fujian, China
| | - Zifeng Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen Fujian, China
| | - Zemin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen Fujian, China
| | - Dai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen Fujian, China
| | - Youliang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen Fujian, China
| | - Dongbei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen Fujian, China
| | - Xiangyu Kong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian university, Dalian Liaoning, China
| | - Zhiyu Guan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen Fujian, China
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15
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Aasen T, Sansano I, Montero MÁ, Romagosa C, Temprana-Salvador J, Martínez-Marti A, Moliné T, Hernández-Losa J, Ramón y Cajal S. Insight into the Role and Regulation of Gap Junction Genes in Lung Cancer and Identification of Nuclear Cx43 as a Putative Biomarker of Poor Prognosis. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030320. [PMID: 30845770 PMCID: PMC6468764 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct intercellular communication, mediated by gap junctions formed by the connexin transmembrane protein family, is frequently dysregulated in cancer. Connexins have been described as tumour suppressors, but emerging evidence suggests that they can also act as tumour promoters. This feature is connexin- and tissue-specific and may be mediated by complex signalling pathways through gap junctions or hemichannels or by completely junction-independent events. Lung cancer is the number one cancer in terms of mortality worldwide, and novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets are urgently needed. Our objective was to gain a better understanding of connexins in this setting. We used several in silico tools to analyse TCGA data in order to compare connexin mRNA expression between healthy lung tissue and lung tumours and correlated these results with gene methylation patterns. Using Kaplan-Meier plotter tools, we analysed a microarray dataset and an RNA-seq dataset of non-small cell lung tumours in order to correlate connexin expression with patient prognosis. We found that connexin mRNA expression is frequently either upregulated or downregulated in lung tumours. This correlated with both good and poor prognosis (overall survival) in a clear connexin isoform-dependent manner. These associations were strongly influenced by the histological subtype (adenocarcinoma versus squamous cell carcinoma). We present an overview of all connexins but particularly focus on four isoforms implicated in lung cancer: Cx26, Cx30.3, Cx32 and Cx43. We further analysed the protein expression and localization of Cx43 in a series of 73 human lung tumours. We identified a subset of tumours that exhibited a unique strong nuclear Cx43 expression pattern that predicted worse overall survival (p = 0.014). Upon sub-stratification, the prognostic value remained highly significant in the adenocarcinoma subtype (p = 0.002) but not in the squamous carcinoma subtype (p = 0.578). This finding highlights the importance of analysis of connexin expression at the protein level, particularly the subcellular localization. Elucidation of the underlying pathways regulating Cx43 localization may provide for novel therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona 08035, Spain.
| | - Irene Sansano
- Pathology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona 08035, Spain.
| | | | - Cleofé Romagosa
- Pathology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona 08035, Spain.
| | | | | | - Teresa Moliné
- Pathology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona 08035, Spain.
| | | | - Santiago Ramón y Cajal
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona 08035, Spain.
- Pathology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona 08035, Spain.
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PDE4 and Epac1 Synergistically Promote Rectal Carcinoma via the cAMP Pathway. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2019; 2019:7145198. [PMID: 30809467 PMCID: PMC6364102 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7145198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the expression levels of exchange protein 1 directly activated by cAMP (Epac1) and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) in rectal carcinoma, and their associations with clinicopathological indexes. In addition, the associations of PDE4 and Epac1 with A-kinase anchor protein 95, connexin 43, cyclin D1, and cyclin E1 were evaluated. Methods The PV-9000 two-step immunohistochemistry method was used to determine protein expression in 44 rectal carcinoma tissue samples and 16 paracarcinoma tissue specimens. Results The positive rate of PDE4 protein expression in rectal carcinoma tissues was higher than that of paracarcinoma tissues (59.09% vs. 12.5%, P < 0.05). Similar findings were obtained for Epac1 (55% vs. 6.25%, P < 0.05). No significant associations of PDE4 and Epac1 with degree of differentiation, histological type, and lymph node metastasis were found in rectal carcinoma (P > 0.05). Correlations between PDE4 and Epac1, PDE4 and Cx43, PDE4 and cyclin E1, and Epac1 and Cx43 were observed (all P < 0.05). There was no correlation between the other protein pairs examined (P > 0.05). Conclusion PDE4 and Epac1 expression levels are increased in rectal carcinoma tissues, suggesting that the two proteins may be involved in the development of this malignancy. Meanwhile, correlations between PDE4 and Epac1, PDE4 and Cx43, PDE4 and cyclin E1, and Epac1 and Cx43 suggested synergistic effects of these proteins in promoting rectal carcinoma.
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17
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Sorgen PL, Trease AJ, Spagnol G, Delmar M, Nielsen MS. Protein⁻Protein Interactions with Connexin 43: Regulation and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1428. [PMID: 29748463 PMCID: PMC5983787 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are integral membrane building blocks that form gap junctions, enabling direct cytoplasmic exchange of ions and low-molecular-mass metabolites between adjacent cells. In the heart, gap junctions mediate the propagation of cardiac action potentials and the maintenance of a regular beating rhythm. A number of connexin interacting proteins have been described and are known gap junction regulators either through direct effects (e.g., kinases) or the formation of larger multifunctional complexes (e.g., cytoskeleton scaffold proteins). Most connexin partners can be categorized as either proteins promoting coupling by stimulating forward trafficking and channel opening or inhibiting coupling by inducing channel closure, internalization, and degradation. While some interactions have only been implied through co-localization using immunohistochemistry, others have been confirmed by biophysical methods that allow detection of a direct interaction. Our understanding of these interactions is, by far, most well developed for connexin 43 (Cx43) and the scope of this review is to summarize our current knowledge of their functional and regulatory roles. The significance of these interactions is further exemplified by demonstrating their importance at the intercalated disc, a major hub for Cx43 regulation and Cx43 mediated effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L Sorgen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Andrew J Trease
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Gaelle Spagnol
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Mario Delmar
- Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Morten S Nielsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Bieluszewska A, Weglewska M, Bieluszewski T, Lesniewicz K, Poreba E. PKA
‐binding domain of
AKAP
8 is essential for direct interaction with
DPY
30 protein. FEBS J 2018; 285:947-964. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.14378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bieluszewska
- Department of Molecular Virology Institute of Experimental Biology Faculty of Biology Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan Poland
| | - Martyna Weglewska
- Department of Molecular Virology Institute of Experimental Biology Faculty of Biology Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan Poland
| | - Tomasz Bieluszewski
- Department of Genome Biology Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Faculty of Biology Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan Poland
| | - Krzysztof Lesniewicz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Faculty of Biology Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan Poland
| | - Elzbieta Poreba
- Department of Molecular Virology Institute of Experimental Biology Faculty of Biology Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan Poland
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Su M, Zhang Q. Deficiency of gap junction composed of connexin43 contributes to oxaliplatin resistance in colon cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:3669-3674. [PMID: 28927129 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although comprehensive strategies in the treatment of colorectal cancer have been developed for a number of years, the five-year survival rate of metastatic colon cancer remains less than 10%. Oxaliplatin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent for metastatic colon cancer, improves the response rate of patients and prolongs patients' progression-free survival. However, the generation of resistance limits the clinical application of oxaliplatin, and the mechanisms of this remain unclear. The present study mainly investigated the effect of the gap junction (GJ) composed of connexin43 (Cx43) on oxaliplatin cytotoxicity in colon cancer cells. Three different methods with distinct mechanisms were used to change the function of Cx43 GJs, including cell culture at different densities, pretreatment with a specific inhibitor or enhancer, and special gene knockdown, to observe the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated by Cx43 GJs. The results revealed that the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin and the level of ROS were decreased with the downregulation of Cx43 GJ function, but exacerbated with the upregulation of Cx43 GJ function. Moreover, ROS scavenging with N-acetyl-L-cysteine and apocynin decreased the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin. We concluded that the loss of GJ composed of Cx43 contributed to the resistance of oxaliplatin in colon cancer cells, and the mechanism was associated with intracellular ROS alternation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Su
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Arts and Science/Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, P.R. China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Arts and Science/Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, P.R. China
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Sarkar D, Singh SK. Neonatal hypothyroidism affects testicular glucose homeostasis through increased oxidative stress in prepubertal mice: effects on GLUT3, GLUT8 and Cx43. Andrology 2017; 5:749-762. [PMID: 28471544 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) play an important role in maintaining the link between metabolism and reproduction and the altered THs status is associated with induction of oxidative stress in various organs like brain, heart, liver and testis. Further, reactive oxygen species play a pivotal role in regulation of glucose homeostasis in several organs, and glucose utilization by Leydig cells is essential for testosterone biosynthesis and thus is largely dependent on glucose transporter 8 (GLUT8). Glucose uptake by Sertoli cells is mediated through glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) under the influence of THs to meet energy requirement of developing germ cells. THs also modulate level of gap junctional protein such as connexin 43 (Cx43), a potential regulator of cell proliferation and apoptosis in the seminiferous epithelium. Although the role of transient neonatal hypothyroidism in adult testis in terms of testosterone production is well documented, the effect of THs deficiency in early developmental period and its role in testicular glucose homeostasis and oxidative stress with reference to Cx43 in immature mice remain unknown. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of neonatal hypothyroidism on testicular glucose homeostasis and oxidative stress at postnatal days (PND) 21 and 28 in relation to GLUT3, GLUT8 and Cx43. Hypothyroidism induced by 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) markedly decreased testicular glucose level with considerable reduction in expression level of GLUT3 and GLUT8. Likewise, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and intratesticular concentration of lactate were also decreased in hypothyroid mice. There was also a rise in germ cell apoptosis with increased expression of caspase-3 in PTU-treated mice. Further, neonatal hypothyroidism affected germ cell proliferation with decreased expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Cx43. In conclusion, our results suggest that neonatal hypothyroidism alters testicular glucose homeostasis via increased oxidative stress in prepubertal mice, thereby affecting germ cell survival and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sarkar
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - S K Singh
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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Kirichenko EY, Savchenko AF, Kozachenko DV, Akimenko MA, Filippova SY, Matsionis AE, Povilaitite PE. [Connexin 43 expression in human brain glial tumors]. Arkh Patol 2017; 79:3-9. [PMID: 28418351 DOI: 10.17116/patol20177923-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM Тo conduct an immunohistochemical (IHC) study of the expression of connexin 43 in the samples of glial tumors of various grades: gemistocytic astrocytomas (Grade 2), oligodendrogliomas (Grade 2) and glioblastomas (Grade 4). MATERIAL AND METHODS The material investigated was fragments of human brain glial tumors (grade 2 gemistocytic astrocytomas (n=2), grade 2 oligodendrogliomas (n=2), and grade 4 glioblastomas (n=14) and those of tumor-surrounding tissue (n=4). The material was fixed in 10% buffered formalin, dehydrated, and embedded in paraffin according to the standard technique. IHC studies of the slices applied primary rabbit polyclonal antibodies against connexin 43 ('Spring Bioscience', USA) and the Dako EnVision + Peroxidase (DAB) visualization system ('Dako', Denmark). After the immunohistochemical reaction, the cell nuclei were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry showed the changing pattern of connexin 43 expression as compared with intact tissue in the glial tumors. Instead of the fine-granular expression in the thin cellular processes in the neuropil, the tumors mainly displayed a coarse-grained cytoplasmic and even nuclear reaction. The morphology and localization of positive structures depended on the variant of an examined tumor. In addition, the most malignant brain gliomas generally exhibited a reduction in the expression of connexin 43, i.e. its quantity is inversely proportional to the degree of malignancy of the tumor. CONCLUSION The low connexin 43 expression levels may reflect both a reduction in astroglial functional gap junctions and semicanals and a decrease in the amount of the protein itself that has independently antioncogenic properties. The observed cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of connexin 43 is most likely to be associated with the aberrant activity of a number of kinases, such as proto-oncogene tyrosine-kinase Src or protein kinase C (PKC).
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Affiliation(s)
- E Yu Kirichenko
- D.I. Ivanovsky Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - A F Savchenko
- Development of Neurosurgery, City Hospital of Emergency Medical Care, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - D V Kozachenko
- Development of Neurosurgery, City Hospital of Emergency Medical Care, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - M A Akimenko
- D.I. Ivanovsky Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - S Yu Filippova
- D.I. Ivanovsky Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - A E Matsionis
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Electron Microscopy, Rostov Regional Mortem Bureau, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - P E Povilaitite
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Electron Microscopy, Rostov Regional Mortem Bureau, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
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22
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Esseltine JL, Laird DW. Next-Generation Connexin and Pannexin Cell Biology. Trends Cell Biol 2016; 26:944-955. [PMID: 27339936 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Connexins and pannexins are two families of large-pore channel forming proteins that are capable of passing small signaling molecules. While connexins serve the seminal task of direct gap junctional intercellular communication, pannexins are far less understood but function primarily as single membrane channels in autocrine and paracrine signaling. Advancements in connexin and pannexin biology in recent years has revealed that in addition to well-described classical functions at the plasma membrane, exciting new evidence suggests that connexins and pannexins participate in alternative pathways involving multiple intracellular compartments. Here we briefly highlight classical functions of connexins and pannexins but focus our attention mostly on the transformative findings that suggest that these channel-forming proteins may serve roles far beyond our current understandings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Esseltine
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Dale W Laird
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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